One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43
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The girl’s twisted posture revealed a lifelong struggle. A birth injury had left Sally with cerebral palsy, and she spent her days in a wheelchair. Yet, her radiant smile lit up every room she entered. The first time I met her at church, her head bobbed as she looked up at me, but her eyes sparkled like fireworks, and we became instant friends.
Sally came to worship whenever her health allowed. During her teen years, hospital stays became more frequent. We all celebrated when a young man invited her to the senior prom. She looked beautiful that night, her trademark smile shining in every photo. Not long after, her mother admitted her to the hospital for the last time.
I stood with her family around her bed in intensive care. We prayed, and I sensed something like the flutter of a butterfly pass near my shoulder. Sally slipped away. I believe Jesus welcomed her home that very moment—free at last to dance, her smile lighting up heaven.
Many people comfort themselves with the thought that everyone goes to a better place when they die. But Scripture tells a different story. Jesus was crucified between two criminals at Calvary. Both saw His grace as He prayed for those who nailed Him to the cross. Both heard His words to the Father. Yet their responses could not have been more different.
One thief hurled insults, demanding rescue. Suffering did not soften his heart, instead, it hardened his unbelief. He lost paradise.
The other thief recognized the truth. In his pain, he confessed his guilt and acknowledged Jesus’ innocence: We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. His heart turned in repentance and faith. He understood that Christ’s kingdom was not of this world and pleaded, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
That simple prayer brought a breathtaking promise. Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Even in His agony, the Savior assured him of eternal life.
The Greek word for “paradise,” paradeiso, carries the meaning of “garden.” In Revelation 2:7, it describes the place where the tree of life grows in heaven. Humanity’s story began in a garden and, through Christ, ends in a restored one.
The two criminals portray the choice every person faces. One rejected Christ and died in despair. The other believed, and God greeted him with eternal joy. Not everyone will respond with faith, but those who do receive the same promise: immediate fellowship with the Lord in a restored garden.
The astronomer Copernicus once prayed, “I do not ask for the grace you gave to St. Paul; nor can I dare ask for the grace that you granted to St. Peter; but the mercy which you did show to the dying robber, that mercy, show to me.”
Like the repentant thief, we can find mercy, peace and assurance in Christ. Paradise lost in Eden is now paradise found in heaven—flung open by the Savior who died to bring us home.
Dave Holland pastored churches for 38 years before retiring in Destin. This devotional is from his book “Easter Jesus,” coming out in February 2026. You can get a copy of his books from his website, DaveHolland.org, or at Amazon.com. Pastor Dave is available to preach and teach at churches and conferences. Contact him at DavidvHolland54@gmail.com.
